Hear Philly: Yoga Fundraiser Stretches Across Art Museum Steps
By Andrew Kramer
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - Rocky used them in his training routine over three decades ago, and on Sunday, May 18th, a different form of exercise will be taking place on the steps at the Philadelphia Museum of Art: yoga.
The event is called Yoga on the Steps and it's the signature education and fundraising event for the nonprofit Living Beyond Breast Cancer.
"It started 13 years ago," explains Kevin Gianotto, LBBC associate marketing and PR director, "when just under 100 women came out to raise awareness and funds for Living Beyond Breast Cancer. What it wanted to do was introduce the healing benefits that yoga could provide to women who were post-treatment from breast cancer."
(See footage from last year's Yoga On The Steps event.)
Gianotto says this event is designed for every yoga skill set and body type:
"This is not a class for experienced yogis, although they will enjoy it as well. This really is an all levels class. It's most about coming out and standing in solidarity with the people in our communities who have been diagnosed with breast cancer."
The class begins at 9:30 a.m. and will last for about 45 minutes. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m., and during registration, as well as for several hours after the class, a Healthy Living Expo will be taking place.
"We have local area vendors who specialize in healthy living, nutrition and health care and they will be exhibiting at the event," says Gianotto. "They will be selling different products that have a health influence, and we also have Honeygrow which we're really excited about. They're going to be providing some refreshments to people at the event."
While the event is May 18th, participants have some work to do in advance, as Gianotto points out:
"We do ask for them to preregister before the events. And we ask them to continue fundraising by asking their family, friends and colleagues for support. In that way, what we are able to do is take all those donations and make sure all of our services and resources are provided at little or no cost to anyone that's in need."
And Gianotto has this message to anyone who is considering participating:
"We feel very strongly at LBBC that the practice of yoga can be of great benefit to anyone, not just someone who is affected by breast cancer. We have studies that show more and more that it really is a great way to integrate exercise and mindfulness into your life experience."
Anybody taking part in the event is asked to bring their own yoga mat or towel.
For more information and to register, visit the Yoga on the Steps website, and to learn more about the cause visit the Living Beyond Breast Cancer website. You can also call (855) 807-6386.
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